POWER February 2012 - 1

Established 1882 * Vol. 156 * No. 2
February 2012
ON THE COVER
Does this issue's cover image look familiar, or like an archival photo? Considering the
complexity of power plant operations and the number of devices, processes, and gauges
that need to be monitored, it's high time the industry took full advantage of the benefits
of digital controls. Photo courtesy iStockphoto/Kenneth C. Zirkel
COVER STORY: INSTRUMENTATION & CONTROL
24 Power Generation: Automation Today and Tomorrow
Today's automation technology allows plant operators to perform real-time and
predictive simulation studies to optimize plant operations and maintenance
functions. If you haven't upgraded your plant controls, you're probably leaving
money on the table.
26 Comprehensive Asset Management for Nuclear Plants
Getting a grip on the complexities of asset management for nuclear plants requires
taking a holistic view that includes everything from condition monitoring to performance
monitoring and ranges from plant level concerns to industry standards.
32 Enhanced Load Dispatch Rate and Furnace Protection Through Model
Predictive Control
A case study of a Maryland coal-fired plant demonstrates how control improvements
can widen the load range of fast dispatch operation while protecting boiler tubes
from excessive thermal-induced stress, thereby promoting long boiler tube life.
38 Monitoring Control Loop Performance
Control loop performance-monitoring software acts as a virtual 24/7 inspector.
It can not only monitor loop performance but also potentially identify several
aspects of poor control and generate a prioritized list of problem loops, with
diagnoses of the individual problems so they can be corrected.
42 Specifying Nuclear DCS Power Supplies
Nuclear plants have special requirements in just about every aspect of their design
and operation. Conversions from analog to digital control systems are no different.
Here's what you need to consider in the area of power supplies.
SPECIAL REPORT: POWER IN BRAZIL
45 Abundant Clean Energy Fuels Brazil's Growth
You might think that with over 80% of its power coming from hydro resources
that Brazil would have it made in the current energy planning environment.
However, with economic growth rates far exceeding those of developed nations,
and a need to prevent another power crisis caused by drought, Brazil must add
capacity quickly and wisely. Our partners at Global Business Reports take a
comprehensive look at Brazil's generation resources today and how the country
plans to increase competition and supply diversity.
February 2012 | POWER
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POWER February 2012

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of POWER February 2012

Contents
POWER February 2012 - Cover1
POWER February 2012 - Cover2
POWER February 2012 - Contents
POWER February 2012 - 2
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POWER February 2012 - Cover3
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